Maligawila Buddha Statue

Maligawila: The Free-Standing Giant

The **Maligawila Buddha Statue** is a testament to the grand scale of ancient Sri Lankan engineering. Dating to the late 7th century, likely during the reign of King Aggabodhi II, this 11-meter (36-foot) statue is carved from a single block of crystalline limestone. Unlike the reliefs at Buduruwagala, the Maligawila Buddha is a completely free-standing figure. It was found broken in pieces in the jungle in the early 1950s and was painstakingly pieced together and raised again in 1991, an engineering feat in its own right.

The Dambegoda Bodhisattva

Just a few hundred meters from the main Buddha statue lies another colossal figure: the Dambegoda Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Carved with incredible finesse, this 10-meter statue depicts the Bodhisattva in royal attire. The discovery of these two giants in the same vicinity suggests that Maligawila was once a major Buddhist monastic complex and a center of pilgrimage in the ancient Ruhuna kingdom.

A Forest Sanctuary with HBS Tours

At **HBS Tours**, we take you on a journey into the heart of the Uva forests to discover these giants. The location is peaceful and serene, surrounded by tall trees and the sounds of nature. Our guides share the fascinating story of the statue's restoration and the historical context of the Ruhuna kingdom. It's an immersive experience for those who appreciate history and the quiet beauty of forest temples.

Visitor Activities

We recommend walking between the Buddha statue and the Bodhisattva statue to fully appreciate the scale of the complex. The paved pathways through the forest are easy to navigate and offer many opportunities for wildlife spotting. It is a highly spiritual site, so we advise visitors to dress modestly and respect the local traditions. The best time to visit is during the morning hours when the air is cool and the light is soft.